renderfarm? question for computer geeks?

**palmer** · February 24, 2006, 01:48:03 PM

Re: renderfarm? question for computer geeks?

ahah.

A renderfarm and how you go about setting one up is dependent on what render engine and/or 3d package you are using, the number of machines you have, and the processors of said machines. With some more info I might be able to help more. I don't exactly have a "renderfarm" but I use 3 machines. Two pentium 2.4's and a dual xeon 3.2. I typically run distributed bucket renderings through mental ray, final render, and brazil on the pentiums and my xeon runs all those solo, which is still roughly 4 times faster than the two pentiums. Anyway give me more info about what you are doing, running, current render times etc..... I can probably help.

**daveman** · February 24, 2006, 02:30:01 PM

Re: renderfarm? question for computer geeks?

the box:
currently running 4 gigs of ram on a dell 8400 with 4.3 gig processor and a 256 video card. we would be looking into stringing the whole or part of office together (something like 7-15 machines). all computers roughly the same configurations. all the computers are currently hooked up to the same server.

the program:
i use 3d autocad to generate the models. no real downtime there. but with viz for the renderer. well you know how that goes. with my machine, i am currently running a model with 1.3 million faces at a resolution to print on 8.5x11 takes roughly 30 hours. I'm actually pretty impressed with that level of speed, but it could always be quicker. here is an image of what i'm working. most projects are no where near this extensive, but the bosses are into doing more renderings and willing pay to cut the time down.

we have an IT guy, but he is unfamiliar with render farms. i told him about them and he said it make sence and he will look into it. personally, i read this article and it got me thinking this is the way to go. http://www.extremetech.com/article2/...1847365,00.asp

**daveman** · February 24, 2006, 02:34:37 PM

Re: renderfarm? question for computer geeks?

i've also heard of certain lisp programs that can render using viz or max without windows running. i'm guessing its all run through DOS with certain premade folders? totally lost on how that would work. i'm not so much an IT type. i only know enough to get me in trouble.